Looking for a rangefinder

[Bobbo]

I'm on a quest for the "perfect" 35mm rangefinder.

I'm looking for a rangefinder to have a 35mm, a 50mm, and a 90mm (+/- 10mm) lens.
The RF base has to be accurate enough for a 90/2 wide open and close-up.
I'd like built-in framelines with parallex compensation, too.
I don't care about a meter... if it has one, I prefer it not to be the big selenium type...kinda ugly in my eyes. Mercury cells I can get around.
I'd prefer LTM or Leica M mount over Contax/Nikon for longevity.
I'd rather have lever wind and rewind than knobs.

I know I just described a Leica M2/4/4-2/4-p/6, but are there any others out there? Don't quite have the money for one of those...maybe I should save and get one later? Wow...saving...what a novel concept...I must keep this a secret before I get flamed by the kings of GAS 😀 .

Any input is appreciated, including telling me to go away and shoot some more photos with what I have already (like my mother always told me).

Goodnight,
Bob Clark

 

[ray_g]

Sure there are including the Canon P / 7 or similar and the Bessa's. The Canon VI-L also has the 1.5x magnification to help with the long lens. I am not an authority on FSU's but the later Zorkis like the 4K (or equivalent FED?) would be other options. If you are intent on using a fast telephoto, my recommendation would be the Bessa T.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The Canon 7 sounds the closest to what you are looking for, and closer to your price bracket. A Good Canon 7 goes for under $250. 0.8x magnification and a wide enough baselength to handle an 8.5cm F2 easily. It has parallax correct, projected framelines that cover 35mm, 50mm, 85/100mm, and 135mm focal lengths.

The Canon 7s uses a CDS meter over the Canon 7 Selenium Meter. It will cost twice as much. And eat impossible-to-find batteries. The Big Ugly Selenium Meter is what keeps the price of the Canon 7 so low. Mine are quite accurate.

 

[ZeissFan]

What's your budget? That will help a lot.

 

[Frank Granovski]

I can sell you a brand new Electro GSN.

 

[Pherdinand]

frank, LOL

 

[wyk_penguin]

Better to get the Leica. It is always best to be at the top such that you won't have to constantly think about getting a Leica.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

The Canon P / 7 are your best bet if you are not ready for the prices of a Leica yet. Though some of those mint, can go pretty high as well. However, there are deals to be had for M2/M3's for about $450-$600 if you are patient enough.